Earwig and the Witch

Earwig was left in a basket on the doorstep of St Morwald's Home for
Children with a note suggesting she had been left there by a witch.
Choosing to ignore the note, the headmistress renames the baby Erica
Wigg and treats her like all the other children. Earwig is happy at St
Morwald's , and why not? In her prickly way, she uses her "strange
abilities" to get what she wants from her favorite lunch to a new red
sweater. It's clear from her actions and attitude that she is not your
normal child, and Zelinsky's line drawings emphasize her spirited, even
cantankerous nature, with hair that sticks straight out and a devilish
grin.

Earwig would be happy to stay at St Morwald's, but she
meets her match when Bella Yaga and the Mandrake arrive and choose
Earwig to adopt. Unfortunately for Earwig, the couple wants her because
they need an assistant. Bella Yaga is a witch, and she needs someone to
do her dirty work. From the start, Earwig is told that all will be
well as long as she complies with Bella Yaga's demands.

What
else can Earwig do but make their breakfasts, grind the potions, do the
cleaning and gather the herbs? But she isn't happy.

As she
explores the house, Earwig discovers many things are not as they
appear. Rooms change boundaries, smells and sights appear and
disappear, and Thomas, the black cat, can talk to her! Together Earwig
and Thomas explore Bella Yaga's book of spells, and they begin to work
some magic of their own. She and Thomas manage to create several magic
spells, getting the better of Bella Yaga and the Mandrake, showng her
true colors as a very talented witch, indeed! With her powers now in
full force, she decides she definitely likes her new home. In this slim
fantasy chapter book, Wynne Jones weaves a tantalizing, mysterious, and
amusing adventure. Earwig is an original. Though she is argumentative
and manipulative, she steals the show, as she deviously overcomes
difficult circumstances. Using her magic, Earwig regains control of her
life; there is no question about who the boss is. Zelinsky's simple
art, with wonderful pencil line drawings of Earwig, Bella Yaga, and the
Mandrake are full of humorous details, and the frogs that appear on each
page are not to be missed! This is a wonderful introduction to fantasy
fiction for children stepping up to reading full-fledged novels.It has a
lightness, charm, and humor that will capture a new generation of
fantasy readers.

Reviewed by : JJ

Themes : Magic, Fantasy, Orphans, Relationships

If you love this book, then try:

Applegate, Katherine.The One and Only Ivan. HarperCollins Publishers, 2012.

School Library Journal

Earwig and the Witch

Earwig was left in a basket on the doorstep of St Morwald's Home for
Children with a note suggesting she had been left there by a witch.
Choosing to ignore the note, the headmistress renames the baby Erica
Wigg and treats her like all the other children. Earwig is happy at St
Morwald's , and why not? In her prickly way, she uses her "strange
abilities" to get what she wants from her favorite lunch to a new red
sweater. It's clear from her actions and attitude that she is not your
normal child, and Zelinsky's line drawings emphasize her spirited, even
cantankerous nature, with hair that sticks straight out and a devilish
grin.

Earwig would be happy to stay at St Morwald's, but she
meets her match when Bella Yaga and the Mandrake arrive and choose
Earwig to adopt. Unfortunately for Earwig, the couple wants her because
they need an assistant. Bella Yaga is a witch, and she needs someone to
do her dirty work. From the start, Earwig is told that all will be
well as long as she complies with Bella Yaga's demands.

What
else can Earwig do but make their breakfasts, grind the potions, do the
cleaning and gather the herbs? But she isn't happy.

As she
explores the house, Earwig discovers many things are not as they
appear. Rooms change boundaries, smells and sights appear and
disappear, and Thomas, the black cat, can talk to her! Together Earwig
and Thomas explore Bella Yaga's book of spells, and they begin to work
some magic of their own. She and Thomas manage to create several magic
spells, getting the better of Bella Yaga and the Mandrake, showng her
true colors as a very talented witch, indeed! With her powers now in
full force, she decides she definitely likes her new home. In this slim
fantasy chapter book, Wynne Jones weaves a tantalizing, mysterious, and
amusing adventure. Earwig is an original. Though she is argumentative
and manipulative, she steals the show, as she deviously overcomes
difficult circumstances. Using her magic, Earwig regains control of her
life; there is no question about who the boss is. Zelinsky's simple
art, with wonderful pencil line drawings of Earwig, Bella Yaga, and the
Mandrake are full of humorous details, and the frogs that appear on each
page are not to be missed! This is a wonderful introduction to fantasy
fiction for children stepping up to reading full-fledged novels.It has a
lightness, charm, and humor that will capture a new generation of
fantasy readers.

Reviewed by: JJ

Themes: Magic, Fantasy, Orphans, Relationships

If you love this book, then try:

Applegate, Katherine.The One and Only Ivan. HarperCollins Publishers, 2012.